Things We Take for Granted…
What Fuels Are Made From Crude Oil?
As crude oil is removed from the ground, it is either transported to a refinery by pipeline, ship, or barge. Once at the refinery, different parts of the crude oil are separated into useable petroleum products. Crude oil is measured in barrels (bbls).
A 42-U.S. gallon barrel of crude oil translates to roughly 45 gallons of petroleum products. This gain from processing the crude oil is similar to what happens to a kernel of corn when it is popped. The popped corn is actually larger once heat is applied. The gain in oil is slightly more than 6%.
One barrel of crude oil, when refined, produces about 19 gallons of finished motor gasoline, and 10 gallons of diesel, as well as various other petroleum products. Most petroleum products are used to produce energy. For example, many people across the United States use propane to heat their homes.
Note: A 42-U.S. gallon barrel of crude oil yields about 45 gallons of petroleum products
Other products made from petroleum include:
- Ink
- Crayons
- Dishwashing liquids
- Deodorant
- Eyeglasses
- CDs and DVDs
- Tires
- Ammonia
- Heart valves
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration “energy KIDS”
